Wandering broadhead planarian Bipalium adventitium

Description

Introduced to the United States from Asia.

Commonly found in suburban areas and nurseries where exotic plants are prevalent.

Carries the neurotoxin, Tetrodotoxin, which may be used as a defense mechanism.

Identification

Grow to 5-8 cm. (2.0-3.1 in.) long, head is fan-shaped, yellow to tan in color with on dark dorsal stripe that does not extend over the head.

Habitat

Native to Asia. Can be found in gardens and woodlands under objects like leaf litter, where soil is moist.

Reproduction

Reproduces sexually with one breeding season

Source: MISIN. 2021. Midwest Invasive Species Information Network. Michigan State University - Applied Spatial Ecology and Technical Services Laboratory. Available online at https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail.php?id=418. per year. Eggs are deposited in capsules and after 3 weeks, 1-6 juveniles are released.

Impact

Preys on earthworms.

Similar

Arrowhead flatworm (Bipalium kewense).

Monitoring and Rapid Response

Credits

The information provided in this factsheet was gathered from iNaturalist. Individual species images that appear with a number in a black box are courtesy of the Bugwood.org network

(http://www.invasive.org). Individual photo author credits may not be included due to the small display size of the images and subsequent difficulty of reading the provided text. All other images appear courtesy of Google (http://images.google.com).

Source: MISIN. 2021. Midwest Invasive Species Information Network. Michigan State University - Applied Spatial Ecology and Technical Services Laboratory. Available online at https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail.php?id=418.